ONE OF the UK’s biggest housebuilders is set to enter the Aberdeen area following approval to construct more than 300 homes in the Bridge of Don.
Persimmon Homes, a company with annual earnings close to £3 billion, is poised to invest £36 million in renovating the land where the former Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre stood.
Partners have given the green light in principle for the construction of 333 residential units on the vacant land where the city’s main arena venue once stood.
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre ceased operations in 2019 with the opening of P&J Live near Aberdeen International Airport.
The demolition of the AECC’s main arena – stage for numerous big showbiz names from 1985 to 2019 – was completed in 2021, following a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Documents outlining the planning process reveal that Persimmon Homes has acquired the entire property after a comprehensive marketing campaign by its joint representatives Savills and J&E Shepherd.
It is promising a “high-quality residential development” on the 14 hectare site, which shares a border with the historic Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
Out of the 333 homes planned, 88 will be designated as affordable housing, as stated in the company’s planning submission. Persimmon plans to allocate £35.8 million to the development, with the project expected to yield approximately £500,000 in annual tax revenue for Aberdeen City Council.
The announcement of the planning approval comes after Persimmon has made several key appointments, positioning itself as a major player in the market as it looks to expand its operations in the north.
It is estimated the new community would directly support around 64 local construction jobs each year, with a further 49 jobs being created in services and other local firms.
James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland Managing Director, said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing forward plans to regenerate the former Exhibition Centre site. As well as breathing new life into the area, our proposals for Silverburn Park would deliver 333 high-quality new homes to benefit local people – including 83 that will be specifically allocated to help people in housing need.
“With our homes around 20% below the market average price, we’re committed to creating more affordable opportunities for local families to own their own home. As we take these proposals forward, we’ll continue to work with the Council and the community to ensure our investment in Aberdeen delivers real benefits for local people.”
